| Media release |
| Deputy Ministers will soon develop an inter-departmental protocol on anti-child pornography |
Deputy Ministers will soon develop an inter-departmental protocol on anti-child pornography
The Department of Home Affairs, in partnership with other departments, will soon develop an inter-departmental protocol on the protection of children against child pornography. This decision was taken at yesterday’s meeting of Deputy Ministers of; Basic Education, Mr Enver Surty and Social Development, Ms Bathabile Dlamini, convened by Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Mr Malusi Gigaba in which they received a briefing from the Film and Publication Board on the campaign against child pornography.
The Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Mr Malusi Gigaba, said, “The lack of statistics about child pornography should not lead us to being complacent in protecting children. The increase of access to technology and mobile internet, with all its benefits, also poses risks such as creation and distribution of child pornography. We need to be proactive in protecting children against this heinous crime.”
The inter-departmental protocol will be aimed at focusing on advocacy and law enforcement on issues relating to child pornography. It will bring together various stakeholder departments including; Basic Education, Social Development, Justice and Constitutional Development, Police, Communications and the National Prosecuting Authority; defining roles each has to play in raising awareness on child pornography and in law enforcement.
The Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Mr Malusi Gigaba, went further to suggest that, “South Africa should explore an outright ban on pornography in the public media as is the practice in countries such as China and India.” To this extent, the Deputy Minister will approach the Law Reform Commission with a view to requesting them to investigate and advice on the possibility of such a move.
The inter-departmental protocol will go a long way to coordinate the protection of children during the 2010 World Cup and beyond.
Issued by the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs
For more information contact: Mr Ronnie Mamoepa on 0829904853
Thabo Mokgola
Media Relations
(012) 810 7242 -Tel
(012) 810 7032 -Fax
082 902 8414- Cell
thabo.mokgola@dha.gov.za
|
Released by Chief Directorate: Communication
Enquiries: Ronnie Mamoepa(Head of Communication)-ronnie.mamoepa@dha.gov.za 082 990 4853 | 01/09/2009 |
|
